A Nail Expert Says These Are the 14 Best Nail Polish Removers for All Your Mani Needs
Nail polish remover is an essential part of every DIY manicurist's kit. In addition to eliminating all traces of lacquer, it can prep the nails for fresh paint, create a clean line for French tips, and tidy up around the edges. "The main ingredients in nail polish remover are acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or ethyl acetate," says nail artist Syreeta Aaron. These powerful solvents dissolve the polymers found in nail lacquer. "The polish breaks down, changing the hardened polish into a liquid form for easy wipe-off," she adds. Of course, not all formulas are created equal. Acetone tends to be the quickest and most effective, though it can be pretty harsh on your nail beds with continued use. There are acetone-free removers that are a bit gentler on nails and still get the job done, which you'll also find on this list. To uncover top-tier options, we conducted hours of research on the best nail polish removers, evaluating each formula on its key ingredients and how well they work to remove a...